Unique affordable housing slated for Morrisania

An affordable-housing complex is coming to Morrisania, and it will be the first of its kind in New York state.

About 50 units of the 68-unit building will be for people with mental illnesses. Around-the-clock support services will be available to them. Westhab, a nonprofit group, has teamed up with United Healthcare to make those services possible. Case managers, job-placement staff and more will be available, according to officials.

Residents will also have access to a computer lounge, a community room, a laundry room, a storage room and an outdoor-recreation area.

"People respond a lot to the environment they are in, and we try to build a beautiful, attractive place," says Richard Nightingale, president and chief executive officer of Westhab.

Construction is underway on the seven-story building on Gouverneur Place. The building will be a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments and studios.

Applications to live in the complex won't be accepted until about six months prior to the completion of the building, and tenants will be selected by a lottery.

A portion of the complex will be for low-income families.

The $20.7 million complex was made possible by funding from the state and private sector.